The partial government shutdown could make those relentless robo-calls even worse! Federal agencies are closed, and federal regulators aren’t around to administer the nation's anti robo-call rules.

The FTC and FCC, two agencies that help prevent unwanted phone calls, are shut down while Congress debates funding for the proposed border wall. The complaint portal for each website is also down, including the federal government’s “do not call list" application.

Some scam artists already appear to be trying to target Americans about the shutdown itself. WSB Consumer expert Clark says, "right now robo-callers rotate to whatever seems to be the hot sector to take advantage of you and they're going to look for every possible angle involving the IRS and any federal related activity to try and con you."

Beware of emails, claiming to be from a government office. They tell intended victims that their federal benefit direct deposits will be cut off unless they verify their bank information.

The person is instructed to click on a link to a site that downloads malware. Scam artists are also calling people with this same scam, even threatening if they don't give them the information they want, you could lose your Medicare benefits.

Howard says, "don't fall for any of that, don't respond to any robo-call, in fact don't answer your phone if you don't recognize the number."